The UN mission in South Sudan says the first contingent of additional peacekeepers approved by the Security Council earlier this week is expected in the country today.

The Minister of Petroleum says the flow of oil has not been affected despite reports that rebel forces are in control of parts of oil-producing Unity State.

The leader of the National Congress Party is urging President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar to engage in dialogue in order to end the crisis.